Monday, November 29, 2010

Every year my daddy's side of the family gathers together for days on end to celebrate our blessings. This year, we had our dinner at my parent's house instead of my grandparents -- it was exciting to start a new tradition!

My MaMa wanted a picture made of the grandchildren...and it was quite a feat! We had a blessed time and it was fun to visit with everyone since Grant and I make it home only once a month or less.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

I've been able to share my wedding dress "hunt" with few friends...but not yet with all you wonderful people! I received many compliments on the last wedding post so I thought I would go into more detail on my most favorite dress of all time.

I was in one of my best friend's wedding in January (only two weeks after being engaged!) when another friend in the bridal party showed me a picture of a bride on her smartphone. She told me I HAD to see this bride because her dress was "so Averi". It was love at first sight. I emailed the bride to inquire...and putting out a disclaimer that I would buy the dress from her...if I could not find it on my own. Luckily for me, her dress was a custom made LulaKate, the Christy.

I immediately searched their website to find the closest store that carried the LulaKate line. Sure enough, a boutique in Raleigh had just started carrying this fabulous line. They specialize in bridal parties but also create wedding gowns for those classic, yet flirty brides. I made an appointment with Erin at Bella Bridesmaid in Raleigh and made sure that my mother, sister, future MIL, and at least one of my beautiful bridesmaid could attend! January 10th, dress purchased, after twenty minutes of looking at fabric swatches (silk shantung was the winner), getting measured, and trying on a few of the LulaKate styles, I knew the Christy dress was perfect for me. The entire appointment was less than thirty minutes. Record timing. For sure...

The ruffle, the bow, and the swish of the fabric had me at hello. So add my mother's veil that I tweaked slightly (removed the 1980's Juliet cap), yellow shoes thanks to Chiara (bridesmaid), vintage pearl earrings thanks to Corinne (one of the lovely maids of honor), and a sweet diamond cross from my father in law, and we had a BRIDE!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Yesterday, Grant and I celebrated our 100th day of marriage. I could hardly believe it. Our celebration included a quick ChickFilA dinner, bible study, and then an episode of HIMYM, with some laundry thrown in. I guess we are already becoming old married folk?!

{image by my Aunt De from Summer 2009)}

I have been overwhelmed lately with missing my family at the beach...we are attempting to make Thanksgiving plans during which we will juggle being at the beach and traveling to the lake. I am blessed to have such wonderful aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, and cousins that will allll be in the same place for the week of Thanksgiving. Grant and I also love spending time with his family. Sadly and unlike how I was raised, families are clear across the state...